Day 3: General Anaesthetic Agents: Intravenous Flashcards
What role do induction agents play in anesthesia?
Induction agents initiate anesthesia by producing loss of consciousness.
How quickly do true IV induction agents produce loss of consciousness?
True IV induction agents typically produce loss of consciousness within one arm-brain circulation time, approximately 30 seconds.
What is the approximate duration of action for a single dose of an induction agent?
A single dose of an induction agent wears off after a few minutes
Why is maintenance anesthesia necessary after induction?
Maintenance anesthesia is required to sustain the anesthetic state throughout the procedure.
What is the significance of the arm-brain circulation time in relation to induction agents?
Arm-brain circulation time is significant as it represents the time it takes for a drug administered intravenously to reach the brain and induce anesthesia.
classification of agents
-rapidly acting “true induction agents”
- slower acting
rapidly acting
Thiopentone
Etomidate
Propofol
Ketamine
slower acting
Benzodiazepines (midazolam)
Neuroleptic-anaesthetics
Opioids (in large doses)
advantages of IV induction
-Rapid onset of action
-More pleasant & acceptable for the patient
-Pollution free
-Low incidence of side-effects
-Smooth induction with rapid transfer through the classic stages of anaesthesia
disadvantages of IV induction
-Requires intravenous access
-It is easy to give too much …. side-effects
-No removal of drug via the lungs as with inhalational
-Recovery requires
*Redistribution
*Metabolism
*Excretion
-Sudden loss of normal protective reflexes
mechanism of action
-Most sedative hypnotics exert their effect via the inhibitory GABAA receptors
*GABA – γ (gamma)-aminobutyric acid
*Increased chloride conductance → hyperpolarisation → neuronal inhibition
-Some inhibit the release of glutamate, an excitatory amino acid, in brain
what is pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics refers to the processes by which a drug is:
-Taken up by the body (absorption)
-Distributed to various tissues (distribution)
-Metabolised (usually via the liver)
-Excreted (e.g kidneys, GIT)
pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamics refers to the drug’s effects on the body
What factors influence the onset of action of intravenous anesthetics?
The onset of action of intravenous anesthetics depends on factors such as
-speed of injection,
-lipid solubility,
-protein binding, and
-blood flow to the brain.
What is the significance of the arm-brain circulation time in pharmacokinetics?
Arm-brain circulation time is crucial as it represents the time it takes for the drug to reach the effect site (the brain) by crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier.
How does recovery from intravenous anesthesia occur?
Recovery from intravenous anesthesia involves redistribution from vessel-rich to vessel-poor organs, metabolism, and excretion.
What processes contribute to the redistribution of intravenous anesthetics from vessel-rich to vessel-poor organs?
Intravenous anesthetics redistribute from the brain to other tissues, such as muscles, as anesthesia wanes.
How are intravenous anesthetics metabolized and excreted from the body during recovery?
Metabolism and excretion processes remove intravenous anesthetics from the body, contributing to recovery.
What is redistribution in the context of intravenous anesthesia?
Redistribution refers to the movement of intravenous anesthetic drugs from the brain to other less well-perfused tissues in the body.
How does redistribution contribute to the patient waking up after IV induction?
After IV induction, the patient wakes up due to redistribution, as the drug moves away from the brain.
Why does rapid awakening occur after redistribution?
Rapid awakening occurs because low concentrations of the drug remain in the brain, impairing concentration and higher functioning.
rapid awakening is not because of metabolism or excretion
What effect does the low concentration of the drug remaining in the brain have on the patient?
The low concentration of the drug in the brain post-redistribution can impair cognitive functions.
What precautions are recommended regarding driving and decision-making post-anaesthesia?
Patients are advised not to drive or make important decisions for 48-72 hours post-anaesthesia due to these effects.
the ideal IV induction agent
-smooth and rapid onset of action
-inexpensive
-rapid recovery
-minimal side effects/ toxicity
-no pain on injection
practical points with IV induction
Reduce pain on injection
-IV lignocaine 10-20mg in syringe when giving propofol
-New, large-bore, free-running IV line
Titrate to effect….. You can always give more
Less in elderly …. More in children
ketamine
unique: dissociative anaesthetic and analgesic
The international colour coding for all true IV induction agents is
yellow
The international colour coding for IV sedatives is
orange
What is the chemical composition of propofol?
Propofol’s chemical name is 2,6 di-isopropylphenol.
How is propofol prepared for administration due to its lack of solubility in water?
Propofol is prepared as an emulsion due to its insolubility in water.
What components are used to prepare propofol as an emulsion?
The components used to prepare propofol as an emulsion include soya bean oil, egg phosphatide (egg yolk), and glycerol.
What are the concerns regarding the use of fat emulsion in propofol?
Concerns regarding the use of fat emulsion in propofol include its potential as a culture medium for microorganisms.
What are the recommended guidelines for the use of propofol regarding its shelf life and administration?
Propofol should be used within 6 hours of opening.
What are the available sizes and concentrations of propofol ampoules?
Multiple ampoule sizes are available, including 20ml, 50ml, or 100ml, with concentrations of 1% or 2% (1% equals 10mg/ml).
What is the lipid solubility of propofol?
Propofol is extremely lipid-soluble.
How does propofol interact with the blood-brain barrier?
Propofol easily crosses the blood-brain barrier.
What type of metabolism does propofol undergo, and how does it contribute to rapid plasma clearance?
Propofol undergoes extra-hepatic metabolism, leading to rapid plasma clearance and emergence.
What are the versatile uses of propofol in anesthesia?
Propofol is versatile and can be used for
-induction,
-maintenance (Total Intravenous Anaesthetic - TIVA), and
-sedation in lower doses.
propofol: induction doses
Adults: 2 – 2.5 mg/kg
Elderly: 1 – 1.5 mg/kg
Children: 2.5 – 3 mg/kg
propofol: organ effects
CNS
CVS
Respiratory
GIT
Metabolic
propofol: CNS effects
Rapid LOC + recovery
Less hangover effect than other induction agents or gases
No real excitatory effects
Very slight analgesic effect